382 
SOILS AND AGRICULTURE OF NORFOLK. 
The alluvial deposits of Norfolk are of considerable interest 
and give rise to soils of some importance. The geological 
survey class as “ alluvium ” peats and silts as well as the river 
valley deposits proper. The western side of Norfolk includes 
a large area of alluvium known as “ fen,” all the district 
west of King’s Lynn and Downham Market being reclaimed 
land. The water is pumped up into the raised rivers from 
the ditches and carried off to the sea, where, owing to the 
fact that the land is below sea level, the period of low tide is 
the only time when the water can be discharged ; and the 
sea water is prevented from entering by an ingenious system 
of double water gates. The drainage of the land is under the 
control of local Drainage Commissioners, who levy a rate on 
the agricultural land in their area, and erect pumping 
stations and windmills to deal with the water. 
Table XIX. 
Chemical analysis of some Alluvial Soils : 
Terrington. 
Walpole 
Highway. 
Wnlsoken. 
Upwell. 
Moisture 
2-36 
1-9 
2-47 
455 
Organic and loss on 
ignition 
6-55 
6-55 
6-6 
2352 
Nitrogen 
•1806 
•197 
•209 
•734 
Potash 
•6693 
•692 
1-0 
■927 
Phosphorus pentoxide 
•116 
•16 
•16 
•19 
Calcium and mag- 
nesium carbonates . . 
•64 
•62 
•34 
12-2 
Insoluble residue 
'5-97 
78-32 
7662 
48-62 
